Global Family Doctor

WONCA is an unusual, yet convenient acronym comprising the first five initials of the World Organization of National Colleges, Academies and Academic Associations of General Practitioners/Family Physicians.

Professor Barbara Starfield championed the value and need of strong primary health care systems worldwide. This collection emphasizes the case for primary care and includes a number of Barbara Starfield's own articles as well as other key related material.

Award to Donald Li, President elect

Congratulations to our President-Elect, Dr Donald Li, who has been awarded the Silver Magnolia Award by the City of Shanghai, in recognition of his work in promoting and enhancing general practice in the city. (photo: Donald at left receiving the award.)

Throughout the past 20 years, Dr Li has spent time teaching family doctors, advising government on strategy to train family doctors, provide incentives and recognition to attract doctors to go into primary care in Shanghai and many places in mainland China. Dr Li was instrumental in assisting the Zhongshan Hospital Family Medicine Training centre of Fudan University to achieve standards to become accredited by WONCA Working Party on Education.

Named after the city flower, the Magnolia Award was set up by the Shanghai Municipality in 1989 to recognise the contribution of outstanding international friends to Shanghai’s development and international exchange. This year there were 50 award-winners from 18 countries – people who make Shanghai their second home and who actively promote cooperation between Shanghai and the rest of the world in many fields, contributing their wisdom and hard work to the city’s sustained development.Photo shows the medal

Dr Li’s citation, signed by the Director General of the Foreign Affairs Office of Shanghai Municipal People’s Government, reads: “The Magnolia Silver Award is conferred on Mr Kwok Tung Donald Li in appreciation of your valuable support to Shanghai’s development and outstanding contributions to our friendly cooperation”
Photo below: Donald and his wife Fiona (centre) and senior leaders of Zhongshan hospital and Fudan university